Charlie Cutler becomes MD of Story as Sue Mullen steps back after 24 years
Today is both the end of an era and the start of an exciting new chapter at Story.
Sue Mullen is stepping back from her role as Chair of Story after almost 24 years.
She is handing over the reins to Charlie Cutler, previously our Digital Director. Charlie has worked alongside Sue since 2015 when Story acquired digital company The Weather, which was co-founded by Charlie.
An inimitable legacy
Having co-founded Story in 2002, Sue Mullen has steered the business from feisty start-up to one of Scotland’s most revered and awarded creative agencies.
Over the last few years she has been gradually reducing her day-to-day involvement in the running the agency, with a view to handing over the reins to a successor within the business. That time has now come, with Charlie stepping into the leadership role.
She won’t be a stranger though. Sue will take on a consultancy role with Story, offering strategic support as and when needed.
Big ambitions
The change of leadership comes as Story renews its ambition to be the go-to agency partner for big-thinking, creatively-led brands.
We will continue to be one of Scotland’s leading creative agencies, with exceptional strategic thinking, creativity and collaboration at the heart of our offering to clients and partners.
However, a real strength of the agency is our agility and appetite to evolve, so we are always open to embracing new opportunities, channels and technology to deliver effective solutions for brands. All while creating an environment where our people can flourish and have the tools to do the best work they can.
A new leadership team
Charlie has put a new Senior Leadership Team in place to support him with Story’s growth and new business strategy, as well as promoting the agency’s culture and values.
Together they have over 90 years’ experience working for the agency. Individually they bring a valuable diversity of skillsets, experience and perspectives.
They have all come up through the business and are true champions of Story. The 4:1 gender ratio reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to promoting senior female talent, as championed by Sue.
- Olivia Donaldson – Creative Director
- Sheila Gallagher – Board Group Account Director
- Kerrie Hull – Client Partner
- Jim Kelly – Head of Planning & IPA Chair for Scotland
- Rosie Torrie – Client Partner
Charlie said: “I will miss Sue enormously – she’s left some very elegant leopard print shoes to fill! I’m also incredibly excited to be taking on this position.
“The world is a challenging place right now, but that means the opportunity for brands to play a positive role in people’s lives has never been greater.
“We love nothing more than working with clients who have big ambitions and believe in the power of creativity to drive brand fame, behaviour change and business growth.
“We’re brand storytellers, but we’re also tenacious problem solvers. Bring us a challenge – however insurmountable it may seem – and we’ll move mountains to meet it.”
Sue commented: “I’m delighted to see Charlie stepping into the role of MD at Story. I can vouch that he is a highly experienced, skilled and collaborative leader, so I’m excited to see Story continue to flourish under his leadership. For my part, I would like to say a big thank you to all the clients and colleagues I’ve worked with over the last 24 years – it’s been an absolute pleasure and a wonderful journey.”
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What some of our clients had to say about Sue’s news:
Sue you should be very proud of the wonderful agency you’ve created and the people you’ve motivated to create such great work. Charlie, I’m sure you’ll be an excellent leader taking Story and its clients to lots of future success.
Sue, let me wish you the very best of good fortune as you develop your new relationship. Your fingerprints are all over Story… I for one wouldn’t wipe them away.
You have been leading one of Scotland’s most disruptive and creative agencies for a generation, so I think it is fair to say that it is the end of an era. I want to thank you deeply for all that you have done for us. Charlie, I am very confident that she leaves Story in very safe hands.
